Chapter 1211

With the situation resolved, Carissa finally addressed the troublemakers. Thomas had simply invited them to his proposal; he hadn't used underhanded tactics, and neither would she. Everything was above board. She instructed Max to bring them back and punished them for spreading rumors and causing chaos, with fines or corporal punishment as the penalty. Everyone on Jacob's list was held accountable.

Regarding the Quinton family, who had also mobilized their people to harm Rosalind, Carissa gave Meredith the evidence she'd gathered. Meredith, in turn, passed it to her father-in-law, Irvin, the Oversight Minister. Before the court recessed, he filed an official complaint. Although Malcolm claimed ignorance, Salvador fined him six months' salary, withholding even his end-of-year bonus.

When Derek delivered the bonuses to Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa personally greeted him and invited him for coffee. Ryan had returned from the academy, and Carissa presented him to Derek. Ryan had grown considerably that year, increasingly resembling his father. The academy had refined his demeanor; he was composed, polite, and well-mannered.

Derek looked at him with satisfaction. "Wonderful. You look good, and you're learning well, too."

"Mr. Derek, please have some coffee," Ryan said politely, taking a plate of pastries from Lulu and offering them. "These are spiced fruit cakes; I like them best. Lily says they're good for warming the stomach."

"How wonderful!" Derek smiled, his eyes crinkling. He ate a cake and sipped his coffee before gently asking, "Are you going to your uncle's this year, or staying at Hell Monarch Estate for the New Year?"

Ryan replied brightly, "I planned to go to the palace with Aunt Carissa, but she said it's better to go to my uncle's. My grandparents have missed me."

Derek smiled. "Lord Ryan, you're truly a devoted child." His smile held a touch of sadness and tenderness. After chatting with Ryan, Carissa dismissed him.

"Are you hoping to keep him away from Prince Connor, Your Grace?" Derek asked.

Carissa nodded. "You're right, Mr. Walker. Prince Connor has been reprimanded because of Ryan. The palace banquet is lively; it's best to avoid anything that might spoil the atmosphere."

"The queen is under house arrest," Derek said softly. "She won't be attending the palace banquet this year. They're saying she has a cold."

Carissa asked, "Is the house arrest because of the Gracewood Women's Academy matter? Did the queen dowager order it?"

"The queen dowager didn't issue any formal orders," Derek replied. "She simply invited the king for a meal. Afterward, he sent word to Everspring Palace, instructing the queen to remain indoors until after the New Year."

Carissa understood. Victoria rarely punished consorts. She and the king shared an unspoken understanding; much went unsaid. If the king dined with his mother, he understood her intentions without explicit explanation. Victoria rarely summoned Salvador; he usually visited her, demonstrating his devotion.

Carissa needed an answer, so she dismissed the others and spoke privately with Derek. "Mr. Walker, was the trouble at Gracewood Women's Academy the king's decision, or the queen's?"

She knew her phrasing was flawed. From Kevin's account, Salvador seemed unconcerned with the academy. But she needed to know who was responsible—Salvador or Kylie; there was a difference. If Salvador willed it, his power ensured its success. But if it was Kylie, Carissa believed the academy could survive, even with temporary turmoil.

Derek paused, choosing his words carefully. "The women's academy was the queen dowager's idea. His Majesty has always been dutiful; he wouldn't destroy it. Of course, His Majesty likes to maintain firm control—it reassures him."

Carissa understood. Salvador likely intended to hinder the academy, keeping it under strict control. But this incident aimed at destruction and Rosalind's ruin—Kylie's doing.

Chapter 1212